Starting a business at 50+? Sign up for free workshops

Research shows one in four Americans between the ages of 44 and 70 are interested in launching their own business or nonprofit venture in the next five to 10 years.

This is especially true in Michigan, where many older workers lost long-held jobs during the recent recession and are having difficulty finding new employment that matches their experience and expertise.

To meet this need, AARP Michigan and the U.S. Small Business Administration will team up to offer real possibilities: four free "Encore Entrepreneur" half-day workshops in the state during April.

Attendees will learn from experts about programs and resources available through AARP, SBA and a network of other resource organizations. Experts will offer advice on writing a business plan, seeking start-up capital, marketing strategies, how to secure loans and other practical information.

The workshops will run from 9:00 a.m. to noon on April 5 at the Fifth Third Bank Building Gillette Auditorium, 111 Lyon N.W., Grand Rapids; April 12 at the Jackson District Library Carnegie Auditorium, 244 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson; on April 19 at Northwestern Michigan College Scholars Hall, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City; and on April 26 at Lansing Community College Small Business Development Center, 309 N. Washington Square, Lansing.

Click here for prinatble information for a specific location:

Grand Rapids SBA Event

Jackson SBA Event Jackson SBA Event

Traverse City SBA Event

Lansing SBA Event

 To register, call 877-926-8300 two days prior to the event.